Does anybody have any contact or experience with this cam? I did a quick search and I couldn't find any info about it.
Is it out to replace the 500 series? (and the 300..)

Thanks.

All info is from the B&H site. It appears it is an "upgrade" to the 570-I don't think its replacing the 390 as thats a 1/2" chip and the 400/450 is a 2/3" chip like the 500-570. The 450 is native 16:9 with a switch over to 4:3.

Its not HD(v) but there's nothing like a 2/3"chip!
Don't know if this is what you want but it's all I could find-noone has said whether it will replace the 500-570 but it kinda stands to reason.

Don B.

The Sony DSR-450WSL is probably the ultimate DVCAM camcorder. In addition to its widescreen shooting capability it also can be switched from conventional NTSC 30 frame recording to the 24 frame "digital cinema" recording format. The unit has a built-in 2.5-inch LCD monitor, a Memory Stick slot for scene file storage, an 8-pin remote control port for using camera control boxes like the RM-B150 and the crucial battery-remaining display function. Optional boards exist for SDI output and Composite Video input. This is a professional camera kit that includes the Anton Bauer Hytron batteries, battery charger with AC power supply, a high quality Petrol soft case and a Kata rain slicker.




Key Features

• Viewfinder and LCD Monitor
The DSR-450WSL has both an LCD screen and a conventional 1.5-inch black and white ENG style viewfinder. The viewfinder has a small light just to illuminate the focus and iris ring on the lens. (This feature can be switched off.) The tally light viewable in the viewfinder is also switchable from high to low and to off. The 2.5-inch LCD panel allows the operator to view the scene in color.

• Memory Scene Files
The DSR-450WSL has a slot for accepting Memory Stick data storage medium. The settings of the camcorder including the menu system can be stored and shared with other camcorders thus matching picture looks and functions. The data can also be transmitted via network or even E-mail. Service and software updates can be facilitated in this manner as well.

• Full DSP Functions
The DSR-450WSL has an advanced 30-bit DSP for the most stable and precise images possible. The digital signal processor allows the user to customize picture looks for specific shooting requirements. The TruEye feature keeps contrast levels looking natural even in extreme lighting conditions. Skin Tone Detail can check color and contrast in three parameters for special shooting requirements. The Black Stretch/Compress feature lets the user dial in special high or low contrast looks.

• Interval Record Feature
The DSR-450WSL finally integrates a intervalometer for time lapse photography. The interval record feature allows you to compress long time periods into short video clips. Anyone who has ever seen a flower sprout, grow and bloom in a minute or the entire construction of a house in a very truncated period knows the beauty of the intervalometer.

Signal System NTSC

Image Device 3-CCD, 2/3-Inch, Power HAD EX Interline Transfer Type

Signal-to-Noise Ratio 65 dB

Horizontal Resolution 850 Lines in 4:3 Mode
800 Lines in 16:9 Mode

Sensitivity f/11 @ 2000 Lux with 3200K

Minimum Illumination 0.5 Lux with f/1.4 plus Gain Up

Vertical Smear -140 dB

Built-in Filters Clear
1/4 N.D. (1.5 Stops)
1/16 N.D. (4 Stops)
1/64 N.D. (6 Stops)
Tungsten/Daylight Filter Switch

LCD Monitor 2.5-Inch TFT Color

Speaker Yes

Viewfinder DXF-801 1.5-Inch Black and White

Microphone Yes

Scan Matching Yes

Memory Card Slot Yes

Shutter Speed Range 1/100 to 1/2000 seconds

Gain Selection (-)3 dB, 0 dB, 3 dB, 6 dB, 9 dB,
12 dB, 18 dB, 24 dB, 30 dB, 36 dB

VTR Section

Tape Format DVCAM
Consumer DV in SP Mode
Accepts Large and Small Cassettes

Tape Speed 28.193 mm/second in DVCAM Mode
18.8 mm/second in DV Mode

Signal-to-Noise Ratio Greater than 63 dB

Maximum Recording Time 3 Hours in DVCAM Mode
4.5 Hours in DV Mode

Audio Dynamic Range Not Specified by Manufacturer

Audio Signal Format 16 bit / 48kHz (2 channel)
12 bit / 32kHz (4 channel)

Audio Frequency Response 20Hz to 20kHz (48kHz mode)
20Hz to 14.5kHz (32 kHz mode)

Signal to Noise Ratio Not Specified by Manufacturer

Input and Output Connectors SDI Video- Optional with CBKSD01 provides BNC (x 1 output)
Firewire- 6-Pin (x 1 input and output both)
Composite Video Output- BNC (x 2 output)
Composite Video Input- Optional with CBKSC01 provides BNC (x 1 input)
Time Code- BNC (x 1 input, 1 output)
Genlock- BNC (x 1 input)
Sync- BNC (x 1 output)
Mic Audio- XLR (x 2 input)
Line Audio- RCA (x 2 output)
Headphone- Mini Stereo (x 1)
DC Power-2-Pin PowerTap (x 1 output)
DC Power- 7-Pin (x 1 output for wireless audio receiver)
DC Power- 4-Pin XLR (x 1 input)

Power Requirements 12 Volts DC

Power Consumption 17 Watts Maximum

Operating Temperature 32° to 104° F
0° to 40° C

Dimensions (WxHxD) 5.75 x 10.675 x 13 Inches
146 x 268 x 328 mm

Weight 8.8 Lbs
4 kg